Padel Equipment Guide: What to Pack for Your Holiday

Your shoes are the single most important piece of equipment for a padel holiday. Padel courts — whether indoor or outdoor — require specific non-marking soles with herringbone patterns for grip on artificial turf and sand-based surfaces. Standard tennis shoes or running trainers will not suffice, and most clubs will refuse entry if you turn up in inappropriate footwear. Invest in a pair of dedicated padel shoes from Babolat, Head, or Wilson before you travel.

If you own a racket, bring it. Padel rackets are highly personal — the shape, weight, and balance all affect your game significantly. A racket that suits your style is worth more than any coaching tip. If you do not own one, do not worry: all Golden Point packages include access to premium hire rackets. Just let us know your level and dominant hand in advance, and we will have suitable options ready.

Padel is an intense sport played in relatively confined spaces, so breathable, moisture-wicking clothing is essential. Pack at least three sets of kit for a weekend break and five or six for a week-long holiday. Outdoor destinations demand sun protection: a cap or visor, high-SPF sunscreen, and sunglasses with a secure strap. Indoor venues can be chilly before you warm up, so a light zip-up layer is useful.

A few less obvious items can make a real difference. Grip tape wears out quickly in humid conditions, so bring a spare roll. Overgrips are cheap, light, and transformative if your hands get sweaty. A small towel for wiping the glass walls — which can fog in certain weather — is useful. And pack a reusable water bottle with an insulated sleeve: hydration matters enormously, and the environment will thank you.

Many players now use smartwatches or fitness trackers to monitor their padel sessions. The sport delivers an excellent cardiovascular workout — you will typically cover 3-4km in an hour of doubles — so having data to review can be motivating. A heart rate monitor chest strap is more accurate than wrist-based options for the stop-start nature of padel.

Recovery equipment is worth the luggage space if you are planning intensive play. A foam roller, resistance bands for stretching, and magnesium supplements all help reduce post-match soreness. For older players or those with existing niggles, a pair of compression sleeves for the knees or elbows can extend your comfortable playing time significantly. Remember: a padel holiday should leave you energised, not exhausted.

Here is our definitive checklist, refined through hundreds of guest departures. Padel shoes. Racket (or confirmation of hire). Athletic clothing (3-6 sets). Sun protection (outdoor trips). Cap or visor. Reusable water bottle. Spare overgrips. Small towel. Light warm layer. Recovery aids (optional). Smartwatch (optional). Phone with offline maps of the destination. And perhaps most importantly: an open mind and willingness to meet new people. The equipment gets you on court; your attitude determines how much you get out of the experience.